Comparison of Web- Versus Classroom-based Basic Ultrasound and Extended Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma (EFAST) Training in Two European Hospitals

Comparison of Web- Versus Classroom-based Basic Ultrasound and EFAST Training in Two European Hospitals

Study Objective: Training physicians in new skills via classroom-based teaching has inherent costs and time constraints. We sought to evaluate whether web-based didactics result in similar knowledge improvement and retention of basic ultrasound principles and the EFAST (Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) compared with the traditional method.

Methods: Physicians from two German emergency departments were randomized into a classroom group with traditional lectures and a web group that watched narrated lectures online. All participants completed a pre- and post-test, and a second post-test eight weeks later. Both groups underwent hands-on training after the first post-test. A control group completed the two initial tests without didactic intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Physicians currently practicing in a German emergency department
• Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to participate in all aspects of the study prior to study begin
• Control group: Subjects who did not complete the pre-test